The bicycle free floating available in large cities since the early 2000s have paved the way for short urban bike trips. But it is really since the 2020 pandemic, once the lockdowns and the gradual reduction of teleworking had passed, that the number of city dwellers going to work by bike has literally exploded. There are many reasons for this craze for using bicycles in urban areas. Let's review the advantages of cycling to work and also see how to equip and protect yourself properly.
What is bike commuting?
Bike commuting has become the term for going to work or to professional meetings by bike (or scooter by extension).
However, the first bike commuters were mainly from the executive population, therefore from the wealthy classes, living in the city center not far from their offices, not wanting to mingle with the crowds on public transport and save time. Since then, they have been joined by all types of employees with the possible exception of craftsmen who generally need to transport a lot of equipment. Some are trying it out using cargo bikes, the use of which has also exploded in recent years. We are even seeing more and more parents equipped with special bikes such as longtails, dropping their children off at school on their way.
What is the average distance traveled on commutes by bike?
You are probably wondering if you could consider going to work with your bike? I found on the internet the figure of 12 Km for the average distance traveled to connect home to work by bike.
Statistics show that a person in average physical condition can travel 15 km in an hour with a classic muscle bike and between 20 and 25 km with an electrically assisted bicycle. These figures can vary enormously depending on whether you use cycle paths, their quality and whether you are in a highly urbanised area or in the countryside.
From this we can deduce that the average duration of a journey is around 30 to 45 minutes in built-up areas.
The first reason for the success of bike commuting: freeing yourself from public transport
During the pandemic, public transportation was the last place people wanted to go because it was so crowded, even with a protective mask. Traveling on the surface in the open air was a strong motivation for workers who had to go to the office.
Anyone who has ever taken the subway during rush hour will easily understand why it is better to find an alternative when possible. It is not very compatible with "social distancing".
No longer being dependent on various breakdowns, "passenger accidents" and strikes is a real plus. This allows you to control your time and never be late.
Some studies show that metro air is more polluted than the outside air. This is most likely not the main reason to prefer the bicycle to the metro because this information is very little relayed.
Finally, it is more economical. An annual subscription costs several hundred euros. It is not necessarily profitable for those who continue to telework several days a week and the purchase of individual tickets quickly becomes expensive.
Daily cycling is very good for your health
Physical exercise releases endorphins, hormones associated with joy and good mood, but also dopamine (feeling of pleasure) and serotonin, a hormone with antidepressant properties that facilitate sleep and rest. Employees who cycle to work are recognized as being less often absent because they are more motivated, less tired and more focused in their work.
Cycling is beneficial for the body because it is a real physical activity. With all the benefits that it brings, we can add the fact that by exercising you help to free your mind from stress and work activity, which allows you to arrive at work and return home much more relaxed… as long as you don't have to ride too much in the middle of traffic.
To strengthen our immune, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, prevent certain diseases, be less prone to fatigue and stress, cycling is THE solution. Pedaling regularly allows you to stay healthy and be more efficient in your work.
A study of 269 people published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology shows that doing sports before going to the office is even more beneficial. Subjects who did sports before work see problems at the office as challenges to be overcome. They find their goals more achievable. They worry less about the difficulties they will encounter. Result: more work engagement, less emotional fatigue, and less job anxiety .
In other words, if sport improves your performance, it is not only because it helps you recover: It’s also because it changes, positively, your vision of work . Set your alarm clock earlier… or arrive a little later! Why hesitate any longer?
Bike commuting is cheaper than other means of transport
The economic argument is very easy to understand and it stands out among the first criteria of those who switch to cycling in the city. The savings on a public transport subscription can save several hundred euros per year. Enough to finance the purchase of a bicycle for those, such as students or young workers with limited purchasing power.
Here are some examples of savings that can be made by cycling rather than using a motor vehicle.
- Cheaper to buy: a bicycle costs much less than a 2 or 4 wheel motorized vehicle
- No fuel: the engine is your muscles with a classic bike and it will cost you a few cents of electricity for an electric bike.
- No parking: a hot topic now that motorized thermal 2-wheelers must pay parking fees of up to €6 per hour, for the moment only in Paris, but very likely elsewhere soon.
- Less maintenance: servicing a bike is very inexpensive and can be done by its owner.
- No compulsory insurance even if it is recommended given the price of certain electric bikes and the increase in the number of thefts.
- No compulsory insurance even if it is recommended given the price of certain electric bikes and the increase in the number of thefts.
Cycling in the city is the fastest way to get around
Crossing the city by bike is much faster than by car, public transport or on foot, even if you respect red lights! For short distances of less than 5 km (i.e. more than half of intra-urban journeys), the bicycle is unbeatable.
According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2023 based on traffic conditions in nearly 400 cities, a motorist takes 26min30 on average to travel 10km in Paris (i.e. La Défense – Le Louvre). Only 11 cities in the world do worse!
The easier it is to circulate bicycles with dedicated lanes, the shorter the journey time. Many large cities, such as Lyon (France) which is at the forefront in terms of soft mobility, have taken permanent measures to create cycle paths and encourage the use of bicycles in the city.
Local authorities and government also encourage the practice of cycling in the city via grants and subsidies when purchasing a bike but also by limiting the use of petrol-powered vehicles in city centers.
Cycling to work is the most ecological form of transport after walking
The bicycle stands out for its versatility, its accessibility and above all its very low carbon footprint. Nothing to do with the car or the motorcycle.
Many studies link the increase in cardio-respiratory diseases, allergies, other conditions such as asthma and even mental illness, with the increase in pollution in urban areas. The lockdown period has seen a remarkable decrease in pollution in major cities, mainly due to the drastic reduction in car traffic. This trend suggests that, even in areas where significant changes have not yet been observed, more severe restrictions on car traffic could be put in place in the future, thus benefiting alternative modes of transport and soft mobility such as cycling.
Cycling in the city is THE new social connector
There are countless Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or Strava groups and group night or weekend outings. Cycling in the city is becoming a way to make friends with the same interests.
A recent study conducted by the French Bike Observatory and the Sport Heroes French company shows that 61% of bike commuters are between 21 and 35 years old. This age group is very connected and has more free time. A real boon for making friends when you arrive in a new city, whether for your studies or your job.
How to protect yourself when cycling to work?
There are two types of protection you need to consider when cycling to work.
Clothing must be adapted to the weather so as not to arrive at the office dripping with sweat in the summer, nor to die of cold in the winter or to arrive soaked when it rains. Many brands have launched into this niche since 2020 to offer capes, ponchos, waterproof jackets, overpants, overshoes, etc.
The other protection is linked to the fact that cycling in urban areas is not without risk. The cohabitation between cyclists, motorcyclists, motorists, buses and trucks is unfortunately not always the most harmonious. There are a lot of accidents. Far too many urban cyclists still ride in traffic without essential protective gears such as helmet, gloves and a anti-pollution mask . The latter has not yet become a habit and remains seen as a constraint by those who have suffered from the compulsory wearing of masks. A bicycle mask, however, remains an excellent way to protect yourself from pollution and exhaust fumes.
Which bike for commuting?
The question is legitimate but the answer is quite difficult to give. The type of bike to use to get to work by bike will depend on:
- Distance to cover: an electric bike will be a real plus for long distances
- Within your means: there are second-hand bikes for a few dozen euros and others for several thousand, particularly electric bikes.
- The possibility of parking it in a secure place: Bicycle theft has multiplied with the explosion of the practice and therefore of the demand. Do not buy a bicycle that is too expensive if it must remain, even very well attached, in the street, day or night.
My advice would be to start with a bike that won't cost you the minimum wage to see if your new travel plan is viable in the long term. It will always be possible to upgrade later or even have it financed by your employer?
Mileage and company bike reimbursements
The practice is so virtuous that some companies have quickly understood the advantage of providing a company bike to their employees or to reimburse them for the kilometers traveled with their personal bicycle. This is called a Bicycle Mileage Allowance (BMA). The state has also set up the sustainable mobility package for employees who use an alternative means of transport to the car (bicycle, carpooling, public transport). The company is then exempt from taxes and contributions. This package cannot be combined with the BMA and cannot exceed €500 per employee each year.
Some companies integrate it into their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) strategy or even go so far as to offer their own fleet of company bikes with assigned bikes or bike sharing.
An entire economy has been created around corporate cycling, long-term rental, maintenance, insurance and even courses to learn how to ride a bike and master good practices.
An article from L'Equipe (French 1st sport daily newspaper) from September 2021, taking up the advantages of cycling to work stated above, announces that the productivity gain for cycling employees is 12%. Attention employers!
